Pronunciation: [bˈabɪzəm] (IPA) 
The word "Babism" is spelled with a short "a" sound followed by a long "i" sound. In IPA phonetics, it is spelled /ˈbeɪbɪzəm/. This term refers to a religion founded in the mid-19th century by Siyyid `Ali Muhammad Shirazi, who was known as "the Bab". The word "Babism" may be confusing for non-native English speakers, as it may be pronounced like "baby-ism", but the correct pronunciation is "bay-bism".
Babism is a religious movement and an offshoot of Shia Islam that emerged in the mid-19th century in Persia (modern-day Iran). The term "Babism" refers both to the teachings of its founder, Sayyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi (also known as the Bab), and to the broader religious movement that followed him.
The Bab proclaimed himself as the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Islam who would bring about a new era of spiritual enlightenment and social justice. He claimed to be the gate (Bab) to a divine figure that would follow him, whom he referred to as "He whom God shall make manifest." The Bab's teachings focused on the imminent arrival of this promised figure, as well as the reform of traditional Islamic practices.
Babism faced severe opposition from the established religious and political authorities of the time, who saw it as a challenge to their power and influence. The movement encountered repression, persecution, and violence, particularly after the Bab's execution in 1850. Despite this adversity, Babism continued to attract followers who believed in the Bab's teachings and awaited the coming of the promised figure.
Eventually, Babism evolved into the larger and distinct religion of Baha'i Faith, founded by Mirza Husayn Ali Nuri (known as Baha'u'llah), who was one of the early followers of the Bab. Baha'i Faith incorporated the teachings of the Bab while also presenting its own theological and social principles. Today, Babism is considered a significant precursor to the Baha'i Faith, both in terms of its teachings and its impact on the religious landscape of Persia and the broader region.
The word "Babism" originates from the Arabic term "Bab", which translates to "gate" in English. The founder of the Babí faith was a Persian religious leader named Siyyid Ali Muhammad Shirazi, who took the title of "Báb" and claimed to be the gate towards a new religious revelation. The term "Babism" was thus derived from the title of the Báb himself.
